Mexico is the most popular destination in the world for American travelers.
But if you’re looking to try something new outside of the usual beaches and bars that the country is famous for then you should consider this breathtaking train ride in Mexico nobody knows about.
I use the word breathtaking a lot, but the Copper Canyon railway really is breathtaking.
It runs along one of the world’s great routes, crossing viaducts over deep canyons and carving its way through mountain tunnels.
In fact, on your journey, you’ll pass over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels.
This is why the Copper Canyon railway is one of the best:
Why Explore The Copper Canyon Railway
I have a thing about trains (I love them!), so I’m always on the hunt for new, fascinating routes.
Copper Canyon is often referred to as the Mexican Grand Canyon, and a journey through it is one of the most exciting train rides in Mexico.
In fact, Copper Canyon is much larger than the Grand Canyon.
Located in the southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua in northwestern Mexico, the Copper Canyon is a vast and stunning network of six distinct canyons within the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range.
The Copper Canyon railway plots a course right through the canyon system.
You can take the journey from start to finish in one 8-hour trip, or you can disembark along the way to really explore the canyon’s beauty and culture.
Spectacular landscapes, outstanding feats of engineering, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. This is an unforgettable train experience.
When To Travel The Copper Canyon Railway
There is no bad time of year to travel on the Copper Canyon Railway. The breathtaking scenery changes with the seasons.
During the summer season, between 08/08 – 09/29, the route is longer, and you can ride the train all the way to Chihuahua.
On Thursday and Saturday, the train departs from Chihuahua at 7 am and arrives in Divisadero at 2.15 pm.
Outside of this peak summer season you can ride from Creel to Los Mochis on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday and from Los Mochis to Creel on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
When planning your trip, it’s important to note that the train doesn’t operate on Wednesdays, and during May and June, it doesn’t run on Mondays and Tuesdays either.
The Chepe Express is the name of the tourist train that runs on this route and it offers a more comfortable and luxurious experience than the regional railway that runs on the same route and is primarily used by locals getting from A to B.
Booking Tickets For The Copper Canyon Railway
There are a handful of luxury providers that organize tours on the Copper Canyon railway, with new packages launched all the time, but I’ve checked out the prices and the cheapest way to secure tickets it to book with the Chepe Express website directly.
There are 3 different classes of ticket and carriage for the train: First, Executive, and Tourist.
A tourist class ticket from Creel to Los Mochis will cost $2,598.00 MXN ($141) while an executive class ticket on the route will cost $3,374.00 MXN ($183).
Finally the same journey in first class would cost $4,820.00 MXN ($262).
These prices may seem a little higher than you would expect to pay for a normal train journey, but this is no normal train ride.
If we put aside the breathtaking natural beauty you will experience (that you simply wouldn’t be able to see any other way) the train itself is a work of art.
Which Class Is The Right Class?
No matter which class of ticket you choose, you can expect to find spacious carriages with comfortable, wide, padded seats.
In executive class, you will enjoy reclining seats and panoramic windows to really make the most of the views too. plus, you’ll have access to a stylish bar where you can purchase drinks and snacks, as well as access to high-quality toilet facilities.
So, what will you get if you splash the cash and upgrade to first class?
Honestly, though, whichever class you choose, this train is plush, and the views you’ll see are genuinely awe-inspiring.
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